Every child dreams of having a pet puppy, but as parents, it’s difficult to know when the time is right to bring a puppy home.

With busy schedules and after school activities, adding a puppy to the mix may seem like a bit much. At PetCenter, we understand that puppies require love and attention, so we want to help your family make this big decision. Here are five ways to tell your children are ready for you to buy a puppy.

Your family has discussed the decision together.

A family pet is a family decision. Everyone needs to be onboard with having a puppy, because the responsibility of taking care of the puppy will be shared. Sit down as a family and allow everyone to share how they feel about having a puppy. Be sure to discuss the responsibilities as well, which includes feeding, walking, cleaning, and most importantly loving the puppy.

If your family is planning on buying a puppy, take a Saturday trip to PetCenter and meet the puppies and friendly staff. Let the kids have time to interact with the in-store puppies, and ask any questions you may have about pet ownership.

Your children are communicating an interest in animals.

As your children grow, they will begin to understand the world and gain a sense of empathy. When your children begin to express an interest in the well being of animals, they are ready to learn the responsibilities of pet ownership.

The routine tasks such as feeding, walking, and bathing a puppy will come in handy later in life. At PetCenter, we believe that the children of today are the pet owners of tomorrow.

Your children’s playmates have pets.

If your children’s friends all have pets, your children can greatly benefit from the shared experience of pet ownership. Children learn through relating, so your children should not be the only ones without a pet.

Your children are spending too much time with technology.

While technology is a great tool for communication and efficiency, today’s children get far too much exposure to computers, tablets, and cell phones. Increased technology use usually results in a sedentary lifestyle. Having a puppy encourages children to put the phone down and get outside to play.

Your children are excelling in school.

If your children are excelling in school, what better way to reward them than a surprise trip to PetCenter to buy a puppy! Good grades deserve creative rewards and your children will be thrilled when they visit PetCenter and interact with the wide selection of puppies.

As a parent, you will be happy when you learn that select PetCenter locations, including PetCenter Old Bridge, offer financing so the puppy your children fall in love with won’t break the bank. As a family, when you make the decision to buy a puppy from PetCenter, you join a community of pet families that are committed to ending pet homelessness. Learn more about PetCenter’s mission by clicking here.